Tuesday, October 10, 2017

WINDOW WASHING IS NECESSARY FOR A CLEAR VISION OF GOD



We can’t see beyond the smudges of our lives until we cleanse ourselves, like in window cleaning. Only then will we see His truth, His wonderful attributes and gifts.

Eternal Perspectives   by Sally Bair

Window washing

I live near a dirt path traveled by frequent ATVs. As a result, dust blows into my apartment and coats everything in sight, including the windows. Greasy smudges and even bird spatterings add to the problem of clouded window panes.

Window washing isn’t my favorite activity. But I’m always amazed how much better my view is after I’ve finished the chore. There’s nothing better than clean windows. I should wash them more often.

Spiritual dirt and grime sometimes tend to cloud my vision of God and His love, too. Perhaps you can relate to such a problem. And it can become a problem if we allow it. Cloudiness can appear in the form of distractions. We all face many of them.

Or we may have a bad attitude. When we choose to grumble and complain about people, places or things, we shut out the clear light of God’s love and blessings. Grumbling is what got the Israelites in trouble over and over as they hiked through the wilderness. It kept them from seeing the path God had chosen for them. It clouded their memory of the miracles He had performed the day before. They became so used to their smudged sight that they didn’t realize they couldn’t see God’s love and provision.

Jesus berated the Pharisees for not keeping their hearts clean. “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you.” (Luke 11:39-41

Paul also admonishes his readers to keep themselves clean. “… Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) The point of cleansing is to dedicate ourselves to Christ and live in His righteousness. The Bible repeats the command to walk in the light of God’s Spirit. We can’t be righteous (right with God) when we live as if we’re dirty windows—cloudy to those who look upon us.

Lord, thank You for the clarity of Your light and for Your Word which is a lamp onto our feet. Forgive us the times we’ve allowed the cares of this world and the bad attitudes of our hearts to cloud Your perfect love. Cause us to clean our hearts for Your sake and for the sake of others who need to see You through us. In Jesus’ name, amen.


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